TMC July 21 Rally: In a significant ruling balancing political rights with public convenience, the Calcutta High Court has granted permission to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to conduct its annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, but with specific timing restrictions. The Court barred processions and road occupations in central Kolkata between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to prevent disruption during peak office hours.
The directive came in response to public interest concerns regarding severe traffic snarls and commuter hardship caused by large political rallies in business districts.
Judicial Observation: Respect for Tradition with Civic Accountability
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, who issued the order, acknowledged the historical and emotional value of the July 21 rally for TMC but emphasized that such events cannot bring essential government, judicial, and financial operations in central Kolkata to a halt. The rally has been an annual feature since 1994 to commemorate the 13 lives lost in a police firing during a 1993 protest led by Mamata Banerjee.
While upholding the right to hold rallies, the court made it clear that the fundamental rights of others—including access to work and justice—must also be respected.
TMC July 21 Rally: Key Restrictions Imposed
- No processions or gatherings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM within central Kolkata areas near BBD Bagh, Esplanade, High Court, and Writers’ Buildings.
- TMC is permitted to hold its rally before 9:00 AM and after 11:00 AM.
- Kolkata Police must ensure that roads around the Calcutta High Court, state secretariat Nabanna, and commercial zones are kept free from congestion during restricted hours.
- Police are directed to submit a full affidavit confirming compliance mechanisms and traffic route diversions to the Court.
The rally, expected to draw thousands of supporters, has historically disrupted the city’s transport grid. This year, the court’s preemptive move attempts to reduce such disruption without infringing on the political gathering.
Petition by Legal Community
The matter reached court through a petition filed by the All India Lawyers’ Union, which argued that the annual rally seriously affects the functioning of courts, law offices, and public institutions in the vicinity. Lawyers and court staff have long complained of being stranded or delayed on this day due to complete road closures and human barricades.
The petition highlighted the need for stricter guidelines or a shift in the rally venue. The Court took this submission seriously, especially given that several judicial cases and government functions scheduled for the day could face obstruction.
Venue Suggestion for Future Years
While allowing the 2025 rally to proceed with time-based restrictions, the High Court advised the TMC to consider alternative venues in the future, starting from 2026. Suggested alternatives include:
- Brigade Parade Ground
- Shahid Minar Grounds
- Milan Mela Grounds
- Salt Lake Stadium periphery
These venues are farther from Kolkata’s administrative and financial hubs and are deemed more suitable for large-scale political mobilizations without interfering with everyday city life.
Role of Kolkata Police
Kolkata Police were tasked with enforcing all restrictions and ensuring:
- Real-time traffic diversion around the High Court area.
- Clear passage for ambulances, public transport, and essential services.
- Deployment of adequate traffic police to control entry into restricted areas.
- Setup of emergency communication centers for complaints or distress calls by officegoers and litigants.
The Police Commissioner is required to submit a compliance affidavit outlining the specific steps to ensure smooth implementation of the order.
Background: Martyrs’ Day and Its Importance
The July 21 rally marks the tragic events of 1993, when 13 youth Congress supporters, led by Mamata Banerjee, were killed in police firing during a protest demanding mandatory voter ID cards. The incident occurred during the Left Front regime, and the annual rally has since become a central part of TMC’s political calendar, often attracting party members from across Bengal.
The site of the rally—Victoria House, near Esplanade—holds symbolic significance. However, its proximity to government offices, banks, courts, and corporate headquarters also makes it one of the busiest parts of Kolkata, creating the recurring tension between politics and civic functionality.
Public Response
Commuters and officegoers have expressed cautious optimism about the Court’s restrictions, hoping this year’s rally won’t paralyze the city as in previous years. Residents in central Kolkata recall being stuck in gridlocks lasting several hours, with some forced to cancel appointments or miss court dates.
A local commuter remarked:
“It’s important to remember history and protest. But those of us with jobs and responsibilities also need fair access to public space.”
Legal experts have also praised the judgment as a model for how judiciary can uphold both freedom of expression and right to movement without favoring any political ideology.
What Happens Next?
- TMC will hold the rally under the imposed restrictions on July 21.
- Kolkata Police are preparing logistics to ensure public movement is not hindered between 9:00–11:00 AM.
- The Court will hear a follow-up petition in November 2025, where long-term rally regulation policies—including mandatory venue shifting—will be explored.
Final Summary
The Calcutta High Court’s ruling on the TMC rally strikes a thoughtful balance between political tradition and modern civic needs. While allowing the party to conduct its memorial event, the Court has firmly placed the onus on the administration to safeguard the rights of Kolkata’s working population.
This approach may serve as a legal precedent for similar political mobilizations across Indian cities that often struggle to manage public gatherings in dense urban zones.
External Official Resources
- Calcutta High Court Official Website
- Kolkata Police (Traffic Control Updates)
- Ministry of Law and Justice – Public Order Guidelines
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